But without sustainable reform, it is only a sticking plaster on a patient that needs far more serious treatment.

In 2000, spending on the NHS made up 23 per cent of public spending. By 2023, it will be 38 per cent. Where does it stop? How many other services do we have to cut so that we can keep propping up a system and vested interests that politicians haven’t been brave enough to take on?

Let’s be clear: healthcare free at the point of use paid out of general taxation is something we should all be proud of. The NHS is packed full of hard- working people who sacrifice high days and holidays for their patients.

But we have seen grand announcements of more money before. All too often the cash gets lost in clunking bureaucracy or procurement debacles.

This time, the Government must be clear where the money is spent — dragging the NHS’s use of technology into the 21st century; cutting down on wasteful agency costs by fixing the frontline staff shortage; and streamlining management.

To save the NHS, it needs reforming.

We hope this Government is brave enough to start that process — and ignore the bleating of Labour politicians more interested in political footballs than practical policies.